As safety technology continues to infiltrate the automotive industry, drivers are taking new features into consideration when shopping for a new car.

A recent survey by Hartford Financial Services Group and the AgeLab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology examines the vehicle technology preferences of drivers aged 50 and up.

The survey, called "Looking Forward: Vehicle Technology Preferences Among Mature Drivers," reveals that 76 percent of drivers age 50 and older who plan to buy a new car will seek out high-tech safety features. In comparison, only 32 percent of drivers age 50-plus who bought a car in the past year sought out these vehicle technologies.

Of drivers surveyed who plan to buy a car within the next two years, these are the technologies they will be seeking:

- Blind-spot warning systems (87 percent).
- Crash-mitigation systems (85 percent).
- Lane departure warning systems (79 percent).
- Smart headlights (78 percent).

Increased safety for continued independence

Another reason many mature drivers are taking safety technologies into account when shopping for new vehicles is to help extend how long they will be able to continue driving. These drivers say they:

- Will feel more comfortable and confident while driving (38 percent).
- Will feel safer while driving (29 percent).
- Think technology will compensate for driving difficulties (28 percent).

Many mature drivers already adjust when and where they drive so they feel comfortable and safe. Of those who currently limit their driving:

- 50 percent would be more willing to drive on the highway if they had crash-mitigation systems.
- 41 percent would be more willing to drive long distances if they had adaptive cruise control.
- 39 percent would be more willing to drive at night if they had smart headlights.
- 36 percent would be more willing to drive in heavy traffic if they had traffic-jam assist.

Of interest to many baby boomers are driverless cars, which the survey asked drivers why they would consider purchasing one. Read on to see the top five reasons why mature drivers would consider purchasing a driverless car:

Seventeen percent of drivers surveyed say they would buy an autonomous vehicle if it was recommended by someone they trust. (Photo: iStock)

5. The car was recommended by someone they trust: 17%.

Twenty-six percent of mature drivers surveyed said they would consider purchasing a driverless car, like the concept pictured above, if it cost less than a regular vehicle. (Photo: iStock)

4. The vehicle is cheaper than a regular car: 26%.

If a driverless car can help them stay connected to friends and family after they can no longer drive, 27 percent of baby boomers surveyed say they would purchase one. (Photo: iStock)

3. The driverless car helped them stay connected to friends and family if they could no longer drive: 27%.

If autonomous cars can help mature drivers whose health prevents them from driving, 48 percent surveyed say they would purchase the vehicle. (Photo: iStock)

2. Their health prevented them from driving: 48%.

Fifty-six percent of drivers surveyed would purchase an autonomous vehicle it was proven to be as safe as driving themselves. (Photo: iStock)

Increased safety for continued independence

5. The car was recommended by someone they trust: 17%.

4. The vehicle is cheaper than a regular car: 26%.

3. The driverless car helped them stay connected to friends and family if they could no longer drive: 27%.

2. Their health prevented them from driving: 48%.

1. It was proven as safe as driving themselves: 56%.

Special Reports /

5 reasons why baby boomers would get a driverless car

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